Related

Q: My husband and I recently moved to Toronto from London, England and enjoy reading your column. We sold our house and all of the contents before moving. Our previous decor was typically English and we're in search of a new lighter look to accompany our newly adopted city. Currently we are renting a furnished house while we await the close of our 1,800-square-foot loft. In an attempt to completely reinvent our surroundings we may have pushed our comfort zone just a bit too far by purchasing a space that is essentially open concept (save for the two bedrooms and bathroom).Though we are excited, the idea is a bit daunting. I write asking for any inspiration you may have on how we address one large living/dining space so that each complements the other yet doesn't look like there is an artistin-residence (if that makes sense). We don't want anything too casual but we also don't want fussy. Thank you, Catherine.

A: Congratulations to you and your husband, Catherine, and welcome to Toronto. I applaud your gumption to not only move countries but change decor styles as well. Many in your shoes would re-create the look they left behind so as not to feel homesick.

The photo above is from the New york architecture and interior design firm grade (gradenyc.com). Take a look at the residential portfolio on the website. I think you will find the sophisticated interiors to be of great inspiration for your new loft space.This particular image features the dining area of an open-concept floor plan that shares space with the living area at the other end of the room (not shown in this photo). I assume when you reference "artist in residence" in your email you don't want a bohemian, eclectic loft but rather something a bit more tailored and polished.

I'm uncertain of your style of windows, but take note of the inside-mount double roman blinds on these windows. The sheer romans (closest to the window) diffuse the light when lowered and the outer fabric blinds provide a decorative layer to the window. If your windows allow, using roman blinds will give the space a sleeker, less fussy look than full draperies.

To unify the large combined dining and living area, grade hung three custom cerusedoak panels between each of the four penthouse windows and then again at each end of the room. The top of the panels line up with the bottom of the bulkhead and the similartoned roman blinds hang at the top of the window, so our eye travels up to the ceiling, visually adding height to the room.

If you like the idea of wood panels (as I do) but the cost seems daunting, you can stretch fabric or wallpaper panels on frames and hang them. Just remember that if you want the clean modern look in the photo, avoid oversize colourful patterns. Stick with textured fabrics or wallpaper.

Catherine, if you are studying the photo wondering why the elegant crystal chandelier is not centered over the dining table, it is because the designers have hung two identical fixtures on the centre line of the room (one at each end). Like the oak panels, the use of matching chandeliers helps create one cohesive space.

If you've not yet purchased a dining table and have the space, I recommend a round one. I use them whenever possible for clients. The shape helps to soften all the hard edges of a room and they're conducive to great dinner party conversation when entertaining.

The upholstery on the dining chairs complements the fabrics used in the living area, essentially treating the room as one large space. It will chop up the room unnecessarily if you assign each area a separate colour palette.

You can't help but notice the beautiful finishings in this room. The custom built-in marble and limed-oak panels all work to create a timeless luxury that many of us can appreciate living in.

Interestingly, I live in an open-concept loft and dream of living in London with the English decor you and your husband left behind. It's too bad we couldn't have house swapped for a bit to give our desired styles a test run.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.